Greetings, human caretaker. I am a stalk of Lucky Bamboo, though my name is a bit misleading, as I am not a true bamboo but a member of the *Dracaena* family. I am a resilient plant, but I have a silent enemy: root rot. From my perspective, it is a suffocating, debilitating condition. Allow me to explain how you can identify it from my point of view and, more importantly, help me recover.
I cannot speak your language, so I communicate my distress through my physical state. Please pay close attention to these signs. The most obvious signal is not from my leaves, but from my foundation—my roots and stem. If you notice a foul, musty odor emanating from the water in my container, that is the smell of my roots decaying. Healthy roots should be firm and a vibrant orange or red color. If they have turned black, brown, or feel mushy and slimy to the touch, I am in serious trouble. This decay often travels up my stalk. You might see the base of my stem turning yellow or black and becoming soft. When you gently squeeze it, it may feel squishy instead of firm.
Above the waterline, my leaves will begin to show the consequences. Since my roots are dying, they can no longer transport water and nutrients to my foliage. My leaves will start to yellow, often beginning at the tips and margins before spreading. They may become limp, lose their glossy green luster, and eventually turn brown and die. This yellowing is a cry for help, a sign that my internal systems are failing.
Root rot is primarily caused by a lack of oxygen around my roots. My roots need to breathe just as much as my leaves do. When I am left standing in stagnant, old water for too long, the oxygen in the water depletes. This creates an anaerobic environment where harmful bacteria and fungi thrive. These microorganisms attack my root system, causing it to break down and rot. Another common cause is using tap water that is high in chlorine or fluoride, which can damage my sensitive roots, making them more susceptible to disease. Essentially, I am drowning and being attacked at the same time.
If you suspect I have root rot, immediate action is required. Please follow these steps carefully. First, gently remove me from my container and vase. Rinse my roots and stalk under lukewarm, slow-running water to wash away any decaying matter and bacteria. Be as gentle as possible. Next, you will need to perform surgery. Using a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, carefully cut away all the soft, mushy, and discolored roots. Do not be afraid to cut decisively; it is better to remove all the rot than to leave any behind. If the rot has traveled up my stalk, you must also cut the stalk. Cut well above the soft, discolored area until you reach firm, healthy green tissue.
After the surgery, it is best to let my wound heal. Place me on a clean paper towel and allow the cut end to air dry for a few hours. This will help a protective callus form over the cut, preventing new infections. While I am drying, thoroughly clean my container with mild soap and water to eliminate any lingering pathogens. When it is time to repot me, you have a choice. You can place me in a container with fresh, clean water, ensuring that only the very base of my roots (or the calloused stalk if all roots were removed) is submerged. Alternatively, you can plant me in a well-draining potting mix, which often provides better aeration for my new roots. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly if I am in water, or water me sparingly if I am in soil, just enough to keep the medium slightly moist.
